Hearing device with an antenna

ABSTRACT

A hearing device includes: a carrier board; a multi-chip assembly including a magnetic induction control chip and a signal processor; a magnetic induction coil at the carrier board; a hearing device housing having a first end and a second end, the second end being opposite from the first end; and a battery, wherein the battery is provided closer to the second end of the hearing device housing than to the first end of the hearing device housing; wherein the multi-chip assembly and the magnetic induction coil are accommodated in the hearing device housing, and are between the battery and the first end of the hearing device housing.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, European PatentApplication No. 18209631.3 filed on Nov. 30, 2018. The entire disclosureof the above application is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hearing devices, more particularly tohearing devices for compensating a hearing loss of a user, particularlyhearing devices having wireless communication capabilities and thushearing devices comprising antennas for communication.

The present disclosure further relates to a hearing device configured tocommunicate using magnetic induction. The hearing device may be used ina binaural hearing device system. During operation, the hearing devicemay be worn in the ear of a user for alleviating a hearing loss of theuser.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices are very small and delicate devices and comprise manyelectronic and metallic components contained in a housing or shell smallenough to fit in the ear canal of a human or be located behind the outerear. The many electronic and metallic components in combination with thesmall size of the hearing device housing or shell impose high designconstraints on design of the hearing devices and particular on thecommunication means to be used in hearing devices with wirelesscommunication capabilities.

Moreover, antennas in the hearing device must be designed to achieve asatisfactory performance despite these limitations and other narrowdesign constraints imposed by the size of the hearing device.

The developments within wireless technologies for hearing devices andthe continuous efforts to make hearing devices smaller and more costeffective to manufacture has led to the use of flexible carriersincorporating one or more antennas in hearing devices.

Still further, in binaural hearing device systems, the requirements tothe quality of the communication between the hearing devices in thebinaural hearing device system are ever increasing, and include demandsfor low latency and low noise, increasing the requests for effectiveantennas in the hearing devices.

All these demands are difficult to solve with existing devices, as thepresent communication capabilities are insufficient.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide a hearing device allowing for communicationusing magnetic induction.

It is also an object to improve the wireless communication capabilities,such as improved wireless communication capabilities between two hearingdevices worn in or behind opposite ears of the user.

Radio connectivity between hearing devices allows for advanced binauralsignal processing when the important ear-to-ear (E2E) link is ensured.Furthermore, the hearing devices may be connected to a plethora ofaccessories, either body-worn or being placed in the user's proximity,and hence to the Internet as part of the so-called Internet-of-things(IoT). However, it is challenging but of key importance to ensure astable E2E link. The E2E link is particularly demanding in terms ofrequirements on the communication means and performance of links. Infact, to achieve a good on-body performance radiation efficiency,bandwidth and radiation pattern should be optimized with respect to eachother, while the physical volume available for the design is extremelyreduced, as most times space comes at a premium in wearable devices suchas hearing devices, in particular in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices.Furthermore, mass production and industrial design needs provide adesire that the communication means are low-profile, lightweight, andinexpensive to manufacture. More overall constrains may also berelevant, particularly the fact that the hearing device radios operatein an ultra-low-power regime. Another issue threatening communicationefficiency may be the small volume available for the design, as thisnecessarily brings the communication means in close physical, hence, aswell as electromagnetic, proximity of other parts of the device, with astrong likelihood of coupling to them.

Magnetic induction, or near-field magnetic induction (NFMI), typicallyprovides communication, including transmission of voice, audio and data,in a range of frequencies between 2 MHz and 15 MHz. At these frequenciesthe electromagnetic radiation propagates through and around the humanhead and body without significant losses in the tissue. However,magnetic induction systems, including magnetic induction coils andmagnetic induction control chips, are sensitive to electromagneticemissions from other elements in the hearing device.

In accordance with the present disclosure, the above-mentioned and otherobjects are obtained by the disclosed hearing device.

According to an aspect, a hearing device is disclosed, the hearingdevice comprises one or more electronic components. The one or moreelectronic components may include a magnetic induction control chip anda signal processor. In some embodiments, at least some of the one ormore electronic components are provided as a multi-chip assembly. Insome embodiments, the multi-chip assembly includes a magnetic inductioncontrol chip and a signal processor. The hearing device may comprise oneor more microphones configured to receive an audio signal. The one ormore microphones may be provided at a carrier board, and may for examplebe mounted onto the carrier board. A magnetic induction coil may also beprovided at the carrier board, and may for example be mounted onto thecarrier board. The hearing device further comprises a battery forsupplying power. The hearing device comprises a hearing device housing,the hearing device housing having a first end and a second end, thesecond end being opposite the first end, wherein the battery may beprovided closer to the second end of the hearing device housing than tothe first end of the hearing device housing, and wherein the multi-chipassembly and the magnetic induction coil may be provided in the hearingdevice housing between the battery and the first end of the hearingdevice housing. In some embodiments, the multi-chip assembly and themagnetic induction coil may be provided in the hearing device housingbetween a center axis of the battery and the first end of the hearingdevice housing.

In some embodiments, the hearing device comprises a microphoneconfigured to receive an audio signal, and the audio signal is providedto a signal processor configured to process the audio signal forcompensating a hearing loss of a user. The signal processor may compriseelements such as amplifiers, compressors and noise reduction systems,etc. for processing the audio signal to compensate a hearing loss of auser.

The multi-chip assembly may be any assembly of integrated circuits,semiconductor dies and/or other discrete electronic components. Themulti-chip assembly comprises two or more electronic componentsintegrated in the assembly. The electronic components may be provided as“bare dies”; however it is envisaged that some, or all, electroniccomponents of the multi-chip assembly may be pre-packaged while other,or none, of the electronic components of the multi-chip assembly may bemounted as bare dies or chips or vice versa. The multi-chip assembly maybe referred to as a hybrid multi-chip assembly as a number of electroniccomponents are inter-connected. The multi-chip assembly may comprise amulti-layered structure for accommodating at least some of the hearingdevice electric components. The multi-chip assembly may comprise amulti-layered printed circuit board. The electronic components areintegrated and mounted onto a substrate so that the multi-chip assemblymay be handled as a single assembly comprising multiple electroniccomponents. In some embodiments, the multi-chip assembly is provided asa single component for mounting in a hearing device.

The multi-chip assembly may comprise the signal processor and themagnetic induction control chip. In some embodiments, the magneticinduction control chip is an integrated circuit implementing magneticinduction transmit and receive functions, such as magnetic inductiontransmit and receive control functions. The magnetic induction controlchip is interconnected to the magnetic induction coil e.g. viaelectrical wires or via electrical conductive traces on a supportsubstrate. The hearing device comprising the magnetic induction controlchip and the magnetic induction coil is being configured to communicateusing magnetic induction, such as using near-field magnetic induction.The magnetic induction control chip is configured to control powersupply to the magnetic induction coil. Even though the presentdisclosure refers to multi-chip assembly through-out, it is envisagedthat the one or more electronic components may also be provided in analternative way, e.g. separately, at one or more circuit boards, etc.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction control chip is configuredto apply any modulation schemes including amplitude modulation, phasemodulation, and/or frequency modulation to the data signal to becommunicated via magnetic induction so that data are modulated onto themagnetic field emitted from the magnetic induction coil. The magneticinduction control chip may comprise circuits, such as circuitsimplementing low noise amplifies (LNA), mixers and filters. The magneticinduction control chip may also comprise peripheral digital blocks suchas frequency dividers, codec blocks, demodulators, etc.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is furthermoreconfigured for receiving a magnetic field communicated by anotherelectronic device, such as via a magnetic induction coil of anotherelectronic device, and providing the received data signal to themagnetic induction control chip. The magnetic induction control chip isconfigured to demodulate the received signal. In some embodiments themagnetic induction control chip is configured as a transceiver. In someembodiments, the magnetic induction control chip is configured toreceive and transmit data at a particular frequency.

The data communicated may include data, audio, voice, settings,information, etc.

The hearing device comprises a hearing device housing. In someembodiments, the hearing device housing comprises hearing deviceelectronic components. In some embodiments, the hearing device housingcomprises the multi-chip assembly including the magnetic inductioncontrol chip and the signal processor, the one or more microphones andthe magnetic induction coil. The hearing device housing furthercomprises a battery for supplying power, such as a rechargeable battery.

The hearing device housing has a first end and a second end, the secondend being opposite the first end, transversely and/or longitudinally.The battery is provided closer to the second end than to the first end,and the multi-chip assembly and the magnetic induction coil is providedin the hearing device housing between the battery, such as between acenter axis of the battery, and the first end of the hearing devicehousing. The battery may have a first side and a second side.

It is an advantage of providing the multi-chip assembly and the magneticinduction coil at the same side of the battery as this eliminates theneed for providing electronic components at both sides of the battery.Typically, the magnetic induction coil has been provided between thebattery and the second end of the hearing device housing thus taking upspace in the second end of the hearing device housing. Furthermore, suchpositioning requires that electrical connections are provided from oneside of the battery to the other side of the battery. Thus, by providingalso the magnetic induction coil between the battery and the first end,the size of the hearing device housing may be reduced.

In some embodiments, a distance from a centre axis of the battery to thesecond end is shorter than a distance from the centre axis of thebattery to the first end. In some embodiments, the battery is providedcloser to the second end of the hearing device housing than to the firstend. In some embodiments, a distance from a centre axis of the batteryto the second end is larger than a distance from the centre axis of thebattery to the first end.

The battery may be any type of battery. The battery may be a flatbattery, such as a button shaped battery. The battery may be circular.The battery may be a disk-shaped battery. The center axis for a flatbattery may be an axis through a center of the flat side of the battery.

In some embodiments, the one or more microphones are provided betweenthe battery and the first end of the hearing device housing. In someembodiments, the one or more microphones and the multi-chip assembly arepositioned between the battery and the magnetic induction coil. In someembodiments the magnetic induction coil is provided closer to the firstend than the one or more microphones and the multi-chip assembly.

The one or more microphones and the magnetic induction coil are providedat a carrier board, and may be mounted onto the carrier board. The oneor more microphones and the magnetic induction coil may be mounted ontothe carrier board in any conventional way. Typically, electricalconductors are also provided in and/or on the carrier board.

The carrier board may be comprised by a flexible board, such as aflexible printed circuit board, or any other carrier board capable ofcarrying the electronic components. In some embodiments, the carrierboard is formed in one part. In some embodiments, the carrier board isformed of a number of sub-carrier boards, the sub-carrier boards beinginterconnected with short wires or conductive parts.

In some embodiments, the carrier board comprises an electromagneticshielding layer. The electromagnetic shielding layer may be a coatedlayer, such as a layer coated by a conductive coating, such as copper,such as conductive ink, the electromagnetic shielding layer may be ametallic layer, such as a sheet metal layer, etc. In some embodiments,the electromagnetic shielding layer is provided at at least a part ofthe carrier board so that at least a part of the carrier board comprisesan electromagnetic shielding layer. In some embodiments, theelectromagnetic shielding layer is provided as one or more layers in amulti-layered carrier board, such as a multi-layered printed circuitboard or flexible printed circuit board.

In some embodiments, the carrier board is configured to form anelectromagnetic shield between the multi-chip assembly and the one ormore microphones.

In some embodiments, the carrier board is configured to form anelectromagnetic shield between the multi-chip assembly and the magneticinduction coil.

In some embodiments, at least the part of the carrier board at which themagnetic induction coil is positioned is configured to provide anelectromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and themulti-chip assembly. At least the part of the carrier board at which themagnetic induction coil is positioned comprises the electromagneticshielding layer.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil is provided at thefirst side of the battery; the multi-chip assembly is provided at thefirst side of the battey, and the carrier board provides anelectromagnetic shield between the multi-chip assembly and the magneticinduction coil.

By using the carrier board as electromagnetic shield, the multi-chipassembly, comprising e.g. both the magnetic induction control chip andthe signal processor, can be provided at a same side of the battery asthe magnetic induction coil.

In some embodiments, the battery is interconnected with the carrierboard to supply power to the one or more microphones and the supplylines are provided as conductive traces at the carrier board to supplypower from the battery to the one or more microphones.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil has a longitudinaldirection being parallel to an ear-to-ear axis of a user of the hearingdevice, when the hearing device is provided in the intended operationalposition at the ear of a user. In some embodiments, the magneticinduction coil has a longitudinal extension in a direction beingparallel to, or being substantially parallel to, or being 0/180 degrees+/−35 degrees, to an ear-to-ear axis of a user, when the hearing deviceis worn in its operational position during use. The longitudinaldirection of the magnetic induction coil being the axis along which coilwindings of the magnetic induction coil are provided

In some embodiments, the battery is a rechargeable battery, and thehearing device further comprises a re-chargeable battery controller; there-chargeable battery controller forming part of the multi-chipassembly.

In some embodiments, the multi-chip assembly is provided at the carrierboard. The multi-chip assembly may be mounted onto the carrier board.

In some embodiments, the carrier board has a first side and a secondside, and the multi-chip assembly is arranged at the first side of thecarrier board and the magnetic induction coil is arranged at the secondside of the carrier board.

In some embodiments, the carrier board provides a shield between themulti-chip assembly. In some embodiments, the carrier board comprises anadditional electromagnetic shielding layer increasing theelectromagnetic shielding properties of the carrier board.

In some embodiments, the multi-chip assembly being arranged at the firstside of the carrier board and the magnetic induction coil being arrangedat the second side of the carrier board are provided at a same sectionof the carrier board.

In some embodiments, the carrier board has a first section extending ina first plane and a second section extending in a second plane, whereinthe first plane forms a first angle with the second plane, and whereinthe multi-chip assembly is arranged at the first section of the carrierboard and the magnetic induction coils is arranged at the second sectionof the carrier board. The multi-chip assembly and the magnetic inductioncoil are arranged so that the carrier board being forms anelectromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and themulti-chip assembly.

In some embodiments, the carrier board has a first section extending ina first plane, a third section extending in a third plane, the thirdplane being parallel with the first plane, the first and third sectionsbeing interconnected by a second section, and wherein the multi-chipassembly is arranged at the first section of the carrier board and theone or more microphones and/or the magnetic induction coil are arrangedat the third section of the carrier board. The multi-chip assembly andthe magnetic induction coil are arranged so that the carrier board formsan electromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and themulti-chip assembly.

For example, the multi-chip assembly may be arranged at the first sideof the carrier board in the first section of the carrier board and theone or more microphones and/or the magnetic induction coil may bearranged at the second side of the carrier board in third section of thecarrier board. The first side of the carrier board may in the firstsection face the first side of the carrier board in the third section.

In some embodiments the carrier board has a first section extending in afirst plane, a third section extending in a third plane, the first andthird sections being interconnected by a second section. The third planebeing provided displaced relative to the first plane; the third planemay be parallel to the first plane. The multi-chip assembly is arrangedat the first section of the carrier board, the one or more microphonesare arranged at the third section of the carrier board, the carrierboard having a fourth section, wherein the fourth section extends fromthe third section so that the fourth section is bent in a directiontowards the first plane, and

wherein the magnetic induction coil is provided at the fourth section ofthe carrier board.

In some embodiments, the fourth section forms an angle larger than zerowith the third section, such as an obtuse angle, such as an anglebetween 130 and 150 degrees.

In some embodiments, the carrier board is configured to form anelectromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and themulti-chip assembly. For a magnetic induction coil and correspondingmagnetic induction control chip operating at a frequency below 100 MHzor below 10 MHz, it is advantageous that an electromagnetic shield isprovided between the induction coil and multi-chip assembly comprisingthe hearing device electric components, as the magnetic induction coiloperating at such frequencies is susceptible to noise originating fromthe hearing device electric components at such frequencies.

The magnetic induction coil being connected to the magnetic inductioncontrol chip may be configured to operate at a frequency below 100 MHz,such as at below 30 MHz, such as below 15 MHz, during use. The magneticinduction coil being connected to the magnetic induction control chipmay be configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 MHz and 100MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 15 MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 30 MHz,such as between 5 MHz and 30 MHz, such as between 5 MHz and 15 MHz, suchas between 10 MHz and 11 MHz, such as between 10.2 MHz and 11 MHz. Thefrequency may further include a range from 2 MHz to 30 MHz, such as from2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 10MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 7 MHz.

However, it is envisaged that the hearing device as herein disclosed isnot limited to operation in such a frequency band, and the hearingdevice may be configured for operation in any frequency band.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction antenna is configured tocommunicate with another hearing device of a binaural hearing device.

In some embodiment the hearing device further comprises a wirelesscommunication unit interconnected with an RF antenna for emission andreception of an electromagnetic field in a radio frequency range. Thewireless communication unit may be provided between the battery and thefirst end of the hearing device housing. In some embodiments, the RFantenna is provided between the battery and the first end of the hearingdevice housing. In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit maybe provided as part of the multi-chip assembly.

The wireless communication unit may be configured for communicating withanother electronic device. The data communicated via the wirelesscommunication unit may include data, audio, voice, settings,information, etc.

It is an advantage that by one or more embodiments as presented, an RFantenna and a magnetic induction coil may be provided in the hearingdevice. To have an RF antenna and a magnetic induction coil provided inthe hearing device increases the wireless communication capabilities ofthe hearing device. By providing the wireless communication unit as partof the multi-chip assembly and by providing an electromagnetic shield inthe form of a carrier board between the multi-chip assembly and themagnetic induction coil reduces any electromagnetic interference betweenthe components. By using the carrier board as electromagnetic shieldreduces the need for an increased size of hearing device which haspreviously been required to obtain sufficient shielding between thecomponents.

In some embodiments, the carrier board, such as the carrier boardincluding an additional shielding layer reduces unwanted electromagneticradiation from the multi-chip assembly in reaching the magneticinduction coil, and vice-versa. In some embodiments, the unwantedelectromagnetic radiation includes noise, in some embodiments, theunwanted electromagnetic radiation includes noise from ripple effects ofpower management units.

Furthermore, in present day communication systems, numerous differentcommunication systems communicate at or about 2.4 GHz, and thus there isalso a significant environmental electromagnetic noise in the frequencyrange at or about 2.4 GHz. It is an advantage of some of the presentedembodiments that for some applications for which the noise may beacceptable, for example for data communication, the RF antenna may beused. For other applications, in which a high noise level may impact thetransmission significantly, a magnetic induction coil may be used. Forexample, the magnetic induction coil may be used for streaming of audio.

In some embodiments, the RF antenna is configured for data communicationat a first bit rate. In some embodiments, the magnetic induction coil isconfigured for data communication at a second bit rate, the second bitrate being larger than the first bit rate, such as by a factor 10, suchas by a factor 30, a factor 50, a factor 100, etc.

It is an advantage of using magnetic induction that typically lowlatency may be obtained. Especially when streaming audio, it is ofimportance to keep the latency low, to avoid delays noticeable by auser. Typically, a delay of less than 100 ms, such as of less than 50ms, such as of less than 25 ms, such as of less than 10 ms, such as ofless than 5 ms, such as of less than 1 ms, may be obtained by use ofmagnetic induction for communication.

It is a further advantage of using magnetic induction for example forcommunicating between a first hearing device and a second hearing devicein a binaural system that for the low frequencies, i.e. typically below100 MHz, and corresponding long wavelengths, the head is not consideredas a significant obstacle for the electromagnetic radiation emitted bythe magnetic induction coil, thus, the reduction of electromagneticradiation due to tissue absorption is reduced when the frequency isreduced.

In some embodiments, magnetic induction coil may have an impedancelarger than a threshold inductance, such as an inductance larger than 2pH, such as an inductance larger than 3 pH, such as larger than 3.5 pH,such as about 3.9 pH or an inductance of up to 5 pH. The inductance maybe selected to be between 2 pH and 5 pH, such as between 3 pH and 4 pH.

In some embodiments, the magnetic induction antenna is configured tocommunicate with another hearing device of a binaural hearing device.

In some embodiments, the hearing device is an ITC hearing device type, aCIC hearing device type, a BTE hearing device type, a hearing protectiondevice, or any combination of the types. The hearing device may be abehind-the-ear hearing device. The hearing device may be provided as abehind-the-ear module. The hearing device may be an in-the-ear hearingdevice, such as a completely-in-the-canal hearing device. The hearingdevice may be provided as an in-the-ear module. Alternatively, parts ofthe hearing device may be provided in a behind-the-ear module, whileother parts, such as the receiver, may be provided in an in-the-earmodule. The hearing device may be a receiver-in-the-ear hearing device.

According to a further aspect, a binaural hearing device system isdisclosed, the binaural hearing device system comprising a first hearingdevice and a second hearing device configured to be provided at a firstear (e.g. left ear) and a second ear (e.g. right ear) of the user,respectively, and wherein one or both of the hearing devices is/are ahearing device as herein disclosed.

In some embodiments, the hearing device further comprises an RF antenna.

The hearing device comprises a wireless communications unit configuredfor wireless data communication. The wireless communication unit maycomprise a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair, such asa transceiver, a radio unit, etc. The wireless communication unit may beconfigured for communication using any protocol as known for a personskilled in the art, including Bluetooth, including Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth Smart, etc., WLAN standards, manufacturer-specific protocols,such as tailored proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietaryprotocols, such as low-power wireless communication protocols, such aslow-power wireless communication protocols, such as CSR mesh, etc., RFcommunication protocols, magnetic induction protocols, etc. The one ormore wireless communication units may be configured for communicationusing same communication protocols, or same type of communicationprotocols, or the one or more wireless communication units may beconfigured for communication using different communication protocols.

In some embodiments the RF antenna is an electrical antenna. In someembodiments, the RF antenna is a monopole antenna. In some embodiments,the RF antenna is a resonant antenna, such as an RF antenna configuredto emit and/or receive an electromagnetic field in a wavelength rangeabout a resonance frequency.

The frequency band may be an RF frequency band comprising a frequencyselected from the following frequencies, such as comprising 433 MHz, 800MHz, 915 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, etc. Thus, the RF frequencyband may be selected as an ISM band, such as a GSM band or a WLAN bandcomprising any one or more of these frequencies. In some embodiments,the frequency band may be +/−100 MHz around the selected frequency.

The RF antenna functionality may be implemented for operation at afrequency of at least 400 MHz, such as at a frequency of between 800 MHzand 6 GHz.

The wireless communication unit and the RF antenna may be configured foroperation in an ISM frequency band. Preferably, the RF antenna isconfigured for operation at a frequency of at least 400 MHz, such as ofat least 800 MHz, such as of at least 1 GHz, such as at a frequencybetween 1.5 GHz and 6 GHz, such as at a frequency between 1.5 GHz and 3GHz such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The antenna may be optimized foroperation at a frequency of between 400 MHz and 6 GHz, such as between400 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 6 GHz,between 800 MHz and 3 GHz, etc.

However, it is envisaged that the hearing device as herein disclosed isnot limited to operation in such a frequency band, and the hearingdevice may be configured for operation in any frequency band.

The processing unit is configured for providing a processed audiosignal. The term sound and/or the term acoustic output may be understoodto be an audio signal. Thus, the microphone may be configured to receivesound or an audio signal. An output transducer or speaker/receiver maybe configured to provide or transmit an acoustic output or a processedaudio signal, such as the processed audio signal provided by theprocessing unit. The acoustic output or processed audio signal may beprovided or transmitted to an ear of the user wearing the hearing deviceduring use.

It will be appreciated that the speaker of a hearing device is alsoknown in the art as a “receiver”. The term speaker is used herein toavoid confusion with other hearing device components.

The present disclosure relates to different aspects including thehearing device described above and in the following, and correspondinghearing devices, binaural hearing devices, hearing devices, hearingdevices, systems, methods, devices, uses and/or product means, eachyielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described inconnection with the first mentioned aspect, and each having one or moreembodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connectionwith the first mentioned aspect and/or disclosed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparentto those skilled in the art by the following detailed description ofexemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of components in hearingdevice,

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the components in the hearing device inmore detail,

FIGS. 3a-3b schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing deviceprovided in a hearing device housing,

FIGS. 4a-4e schematically illustrates the positioning of components in ahearing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to thefigures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Likeelements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to thedescription of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures areonly intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They arenot intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or asa limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, anillustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantagesshown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with aparticular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment andcan be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, orif not so explicitly described.

Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical orcorresponding parts.

The claimed invention may be embodied in different forms and should notbe construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

A block-diagram of an embodiment of a hearing device 100 is shown inFIG. 1. The hearing device 100 comprises a first transducer, i.e.microphone 102, to generate one or more microphone output signals basedon a received an audio signal. The one or more microphone output signalsare provided to a signal processor 104 for processing the one or moremicrophone output signals. A receiver or speaker 106 is connected to anoutput of the signal processor 104. The signal processor 104 isconfigured for converting the output of the microphone 102 into a signalmodified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment, and to providethe modified signal to the speaker 106. The speaker 106 is configuredfor providing an audio output based on the modified signal from thesignal processor 104.

The hearing device signal processor 104 may comprise elements such as anamplifier, and/or a compressor and/or a noise reduction system, etc. Thehearing device may have a filter function, such as compensation filterfor optimizing the modified signal from the signal processor 104. Insome embodiments, the filter function is comprised in the signalprocessor. The hearing device further comprises a magnetic inductioncontrol chip 114 interconnected with magnetic induction coil 116. Thehearing device 100 further comprises a power source 112, such as abattery, such as a rechargeable battery. The power source 112 may beconnected directly to the signal processor 104 and the magneticinduction control chip 114. Optionally, a power circuit 110 is providedfor controlling the power provided from the battery 112 to the signalprocessor 104 and the magnetic induction (MI) control chip 114. Thebattery 112 has battery contacts 216 interconnecting the battery and thepower circuit 110. The magnetic induction coil is configured forcommunication with one or more external electronic devices. In someembodiments the magnetic induction coil is configured for communicationwith another hearing device, such as another hearing device located atanother ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system.

The hearing device may optionally furthermore have a wirelesscommunication unit 108, such as a wireless communication circuit, forwireless data communication interconnected with an RF antenna 118 foremission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The wirelesscommunication unit 108, including a radio or a transceiver, connect tothe hearing device signal processor 104 and the RF antenna 118, forcommunicating with one or more external devices, such as one or moreexternal electronic devices, including at least one smart phone, atleast one tablet, at least one hearing accessory device, including atleast one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing device, etc.,or, in some embodiments, with another hearing device, such as anotherhearing device, located at another ear, typically in a binaural hearingdevice system.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the positioning of electroniccomponents of the hearing device. The hearing device 100 may comprise amulti-chip assembly 206 including a magnetic induction control chip 114and a signal processor 104. The hearing device may comprise one or moremicrophones 204 a, 204 b configured to receive an audio signal. The oneor more microphones 204 a, 204 b may be provided at a first carrierboard 210, and may for example be mounted onto the first carrier board210. A magnetic induction coil 116 may also be provided at the firstcarrier board 210, and may for example be mounted onto the first carrierboard 210. The hearing device 100 further comprises a battery 112 forsupplying power.

The hearing device 100 comprises a hearing device housing 101, thehearing device housing 101 having a first end 220 and a second end 222,the second end 222 being opposite the first end 220. In someembodiments, the first end faces a look direction of a user when thehearing device is worn by the user. The battery 112 may be providedcloser to the second end 222 of the hearing device housing 101 than tothe first end 220 of the hearing device housing 101. The multi-chipassembly 206 and the magnetic induction coil 116 may be provided in thehearing device housing 101 between the battery 112, such as between acenter axis of the battery, and the first end 220 of the hearing devicehousing 101.

The magnetic induction coil 116 may be provided at the same firstcarrier board 210 as the one or more microphones 204 a, 204 b. Anelectrical interconnection 213 may be made between the multi-chipassembly 206 and the first carrier board 210. In some embodiments, theelectrical interconnection is made with wires, such as litzes. In someembodiments, the electrical interconnection is provided as conductivetraces on another carrier board.

The first carrier board 210 may be positioned between the magneticinduction coil 116 and the multi-chip assembly 206 in such a way thatthe first carrier board 210 provides an electromagnetic shield betweenthe magnetic induction coil 116 and the multi-chip assembly 206. In someembodiments, the carrier board 210 comprises an electromagneticshielding layer 224 increasing the electromagnetic shielding of themagnetic induction coil 116 from any electromagnetic noise stemming fromthe multi-chip assembly 206. The multi-chip assembly 206 may be providedat second carrier board 208. In some embodiments, the multi-chipassembly 206 comprises a multi-chip assembly substrate 207, such as aprinted circuit board, such as a flexible printed circuit board, andelectronic hearing device components are mounted onto the multi-chipassembly substrate 207 or comprised by the multi-chip assembly substrate207. The MI control chip 114, and the signal processor 104 may bemounted onto the multi-chip assembly substrate 207. In some embodiments,also a wireless communication unit 108 is comprised by the multi-chipassembly. The wireless communication unit may be interconnected with RFantenna 118.

In FIG. 3a , the hearing device housing 101, the electronic components,the battery and the carrier boards are shown schematically. Themulti-chip assembly 206, the magnetic induction coil 116 and the one ormore microphones 204 a, 204 b are provided between the battery 112, suchas between a center axis 218 of the battery 112, and the first end 220.The battery is provided closer to the second end 222 of the hearingdevice housing 101 than to the first end 220. A second distance d2 fromthe centre axis 218 of the battery 112 to the second end 222 is smallerthan a first distance d1 from the centre axis 218 of the battery 112 tothe first end 220. The multi-chip assembly is provided at a secondcarrier board 208.

In some embodiments, the first end 220 is provided at a front end of ahearing device, such as for example at a front end of a BTE type hearingdevice, in which the front end is the end closest to nose of a user,when the hearing device is worn in its intended operational positionbehind the ear of the user. For a BTE type hearing device, the secondend 222 may be a back end, i.e. the end closest to the neck of a user,when the hearing device is worn in its intended operational positionbehind the ear of the user. In some embodiments, the first end 220 maybe oriented towards a tympanic membrane of a user, when the hearingdevice is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the second end 222 maybe oriented towards a environment of a user, when the hearing device isworn by the user

FIG. 3b corresponds to FIG. 3a , except that a part 212 of the firstcarrier board, such as the part 212 on which the magnetic induction coil116 is mounted may be provided at an obtuse angle, α, with respect to anaxis 211 extending through second carrier board 210. The part 212 may bebent towards the second carrier board 208. The part 212 of the firstcarrier board 210 is bent with respect to the first carrier board 210,such as forming an angle α of more than 90 degrees and less than 270degrees with the axis 211 extending through the first carrier board 210,such as an angle of between 130 and 150 degrees, to provide a shieldingeffect between the magnetic induction coil 116 and the first and secondmicrophones 204 a, 204 b.

In some embodiments, the first carrier board 210, including the part212, the second carrier board 208 and the part 213 providing theelectrical interconnection between the second carrier board 208 and thefirst carrier board 210, are formed as a single carrier board 310. Thecarrier board may be a flexible carrier board, such as a flexibleprinted circuit board. The carrier board may be bent so as to obtain thedesired geometry of the carrier board, or the desired configuration ofthe carrier board.

In FIGS. 4a-e , a number of different configurations are illustrated.The multi-chip assembly 206 comprising the signal processor 104 and themagnetic induction control chip 114 is provided at a first side 312 ofthe carrier board 310. The one or more microphones 204 a, 204 b or themagnetic induction coil are provided at a second side 314 of the carrierboard.

In FIG. 4a , the multi-chip assembly is provided at the first side 312of the carrier board 310 and one or more microphones 204 a, 204 b andthe magnetic induction coil are provided at the second side 314 of thecarrier board 310. The carrier board 310 is bent around and over themulti-chip assembly 206, to form a compact unit. The magnetic inductioncoil 116 is provided at the second side 314 of the carrier board 310over the multi-chip assembly.

In FIG. 4a , a hearing device is illustrated in which the carrier board310 has a first section 411 extending in a first plane, a third section415 extending in a third plane, the third plane being parallel with thefirst plane. In some embodiments, the third plane is substantiallyparallel with the first plane, i.e. an axis extending perpendicular fromthe first plane will intersect the third plane at an angle beingsubstantially 90 degrees, such as at an angle of 85-95 degrees or 80-100degrees. The first 411 and third 415 sections may be interconnected by asecond section 413, and wherein the multi-chip assembly is arranged atthe first section 411 of the carrier board and the one or moremicrophones and/or the magnetic induction coil are arranged at the thirdsection of the carrier board. The second section 413 providingelectrical interconnection between the first section 411 and the thirdsection 415, such as between the multi-chip assembly 206 and the one ormore microphones 204 a, 204 b and/or the magnetic induction coil 116.

As is seen in FIG. 4a , the first side 312 of the carrier board 310 inthe first section 411 faces the first side 312 of the carrier board 310in the third section 415. The carrier board 310 may be bent to obtainthis.

As is seen in FIG. 4b , the carrier board 310 has a first section 411extending in a first plane and a second section 413 extending in asecond plane, wherein the first plane forms a first angle α′ with thesecond plane, and wherein the multi-chip assembly is arranged at thefirst section of the carrier board and the one or more microphones 204a, 204 b are provided at the second section 413 of the carrier board. Inan embodiment, the first angle α′ may be between 80-100 degrees, such asbetween 85-95 degrees, such as 90 degrees, The carrier board 310 furtherhas a third section 415 provided at a second angle α″ with respect to asecond plane 413′ extending through second section 413. In anembodiment, the second angle α″ may be between 80-110 degrees, such asbetween 85-95 degrees, such as 90 degrees, The magnetic induction coil116 may be provided at the third section 415 of the carrier board, suchas at the second side 314 of the carrier board. As illustrated themulti-chip assembly 206 and the magnetic induction coil 116 may beprovided at different sides 312, 314 of the carrier board 310 and indifferent sections 411 and 415. It is envisaged that the magneticinduction coil 116 may also be provided at the first side 312 of thecarrier board 310, in the third section. The carrier board 310 willprovide an electromagnetic shield between the multi-chip assembly 206and the magnetic induction coil 116 in both cases.

As is seen in FIG. 4c , the carrier board 310 has a first section 411extending in a first plane, a third section 415 extending in a thirdplane, the third plane being parallel with the first plane. In someembodiments, the third plane is substantially parallel with the firstplane, i.e. an axis extending perpendicular from the first plane willintersect the third plane at an angle being substantially 90 degrees,such as at an angle of 85-95 degrees or 80-100 degrees. The first 411and third 415 sections being interconnected by a second section 413, andwherein the multi-chip assembly is arranged at the first section 411 ofthe carrier board at the first side 312 of the carrier board and the oneor more microphones are arranged at the third section of the carrierboard at the second side of the carrier board 310. The magneticinduction coil 116 is provided at the second section 413 at the secondside 314 of the carrier board.

It is envisaged that the magnetic induction coil 116 may also beprovided at the first side 312 of the carrier board 310, in the thirdsection. The carrier board 310 will provide an electromagnetic shieldbetween the multi-chip assembly 206 and the magnetic induction coil 116in both cases.

As is seen in FIG. 4d , the carrier board 310 has a first section 411extending in a first plane 411′ and a second section 413 extending in asecond plane 413′, wherein the first plane forms a first angle α′ withthe second plane 413′. In an embodiment, the first angle α′ may bebetween 80-100 degrees, such as between 85-95 degrees, such as 90degrees. In an embodiment, the multi-chip assembly 206 is arranged atthe first section 411 of the carrier board and the magnetic inductioncoil is arranged at the second section 413 of the carrier board. Asillustrated the multi-chip assembly 206 and the magnetic induction coil116 may be provided at the same side 312 of the carrier board 310, indifferent sections 411 and 413. It is envisaged that the magneticinduction coil 116 may also be provided at the second side 314 of thecarrier board 310, in the second section 413. The carrier board 310 willprovide an electromagnetic shield between the multi-chip assembly 206and the magnetic induction coil 116 in both cases.

As is seen in FIG. 4e , the carrier board 310 has a first section 411extending in a first plane, a third section 415 extending in a thirdplane, the first and third sections 411, 415 being interconnected by asecond section 413, and wherein the multi-chip assembly 206 is arrangedat the first side 312 of the carrier board 310 in the first section 411of the carrier board, the one or more microphones 204 a, 204 b arearranged at the third section 415 of the carrier board, such as on thesecond side 314 of the carrier board 310. The carrier board has a fourthsection 417, wherein the fourth section 417 extends from the thirdsection 415 so that the fourth section 417 is bent in a directiontowards the first plane, such as towards the first section 411, andwherein the magnetic induction coil 116 is provided at the fourthsection 417 of the carrier board, such as at the second side 314 of thecarrier board 310. The fourth section may form an angle larger than zerowith the third section, such as an obtuse angle, such as an anglebetween 130 and 150 degrees.

In FIG. 4e , the hearing device further optionally comprises an RFantenna 118. The antenna may be provided within the hearing devicehousing or may extend out of the hearing device housing.

In FIG. 4e , the battery is shown as provided external to the hearingdevice, such as external to the hearing device housing 101, having aconnection 504 to the hearing device housing 101, such as to the carrierboard 310. The battery 116 may be provided in a battery compartment 502,while the magnetic induction coil 116, the multi-chip assembly 206 andthe one or more microphones 204 a, 204 b are provided in the hearingdevice housing 101.

Exemplary hearing devices are set out in the following embodiments:

-   1. A hearing device comprising-   a multi-chip assembly including a magnetic induction control chip    and a signal processor,-   a battery for supplying power,-   a magnetic induction coil provided at the carrier board,-   wherein the hearing device comprises a hearing device housing, the    hearing device housing having a first end and a second end, the    second end being opposite the first end, wherein the battery is    provided closer to the second end of the hearing device housing than    to the first end of the hearing device housing, and wherein the    multi-chip assembly and the magnetic induction coil is provided in    the hearing device housing between the battery and the first end of    the hearing device housing.-   2. A hearing device according to embodiment 1, wherein a distance    from a centre axis of the battery to the second end is shorter than    a distance from the centre axis of the battery to the first end.-   3. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein one or more microphones are provided between the battery and    the first end of the hearing device housing, and wherein the one or    more microphones and the multi-chip assembly are positioned between    the battery and the magnetic induction coil.-   4. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the carrier board comprises an electromagnetic shielding    layer.-   5. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein at least the part of the carrier board at which the magnetic    induction coil is positioned is configured to provide an    electromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and the    multi-chip assembly.-   6. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the battery is interconnected with the carrier board to    supply power to one or more microphones, and wherein supply lines    are provided as conductive traces at the carrier board to supply    power from the battery to the one or more microphones.-   7. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the magnetic induction coil has a longitudinal direction    being parallel to an ear-to-ear axis of a user of the hearing    device, when the hearing device is provided in the intended    operational position at the ear of a user.-   8. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery, and wherein the    hearing device further comprises a re-chargeable battery controller;    the re-chargeable battery controller forming part of the multi-chip    assembly.-   9. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the multi-chip assembly is provided at the carrier board.-   10. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    wherein the hearing device comprises one or more microphones    configured to receive an audio signal, the one or more microphones    being provided at the carrier board, wherein the carrier board has a    first side and a second side, and wherein the multi-chip assembly is    arranged at the first side of the carrier board and the magnetic    induction coil is arranged at the second side of the carrier board.-   11. A hearing device according to embodiment 10, wherein the carrier    board has a first section extending in a first plane and a second    section extending in a second plane, wherein the first plane forms a    first angle with the second plane, and wherein the multi-chip    assembly is arranged at the first section of the carrier board and    the magnetic induction coils is arranged at the second section of    the carrier board.-   12. A hearing device according to embodiment 10, wherein the carrier    board having a first section extending in a first plane, a third    section extending in a third plane, the third plane being parallel    with the first plane, the first and third sections being    interconnected by a second section, and wherein the multi-chip    assembly is arranged at the first section of the carrier board and    the one or more microphones and/or the magnetic induction coil are    arranged at the third section of the carrier board.-   13. A hearing device according to embodiment 12, wherein the first    side of the carrier board in the first section faces the first side    of the carrier board in the third section.-   14. A hearing device according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein    the carrier board has a first section extending in a first plane, a    third section extending in a third plane, the first and third    sections being interconnected by a second section, and wherein the    multi-chip assembly is arranged at the first section of the carrier    board, one or more microphones are arranged at the third section of    the carrier board, the carrier board having a fourth section,    wherein the fourth section extends from the third section so that    the fourth section is bent in a direction towards the first plane,    and

wherein the magnetic induction coil is provided at the fourth section ofthe carrier board.

-   15. A hearing device according to embodiment 14, wherein the fourth    section forms an angle larger than zero with the third section, such    as an obtuse angle, such as an angle between 130 and 150 degrees.-   16. A hearing device according to any of embodiments 10-15, wherein    the carrier board is configured to form an electromagnetic shield    between the magnetic induction coil and the multi-chip assembly.-   17. A hearing device according to any of the preceding embodiments,    further comprising a wireless communication unit interconnected with    an RF antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field    in a radio frequency range, wherein the RF antenna and the wireless    communication unit are provided in the first end of the hearing    device housing.-   18. A hearing device according to embodiment 17, wherein the    wireless communication unit is provided as part of the multi-chip    assembly.

Although particular features have been shown and described, it will beunderstood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention,and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the scopeof the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are,accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictivesense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives,modifications and equivalents.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   100 Hearing Device    -   102 Microphone    -   104 Signal Processor    -   106 Speaker/Receiver    -   108 Wireless communication unit    -   110 Power Circuit    -   112 Battery    -   114 MI Control chip    -   116 MI Coil    -   118 RF Antenna    -   204 a, 204 b Microphones    -   206 Multi-chip Assembly    -   207 Multi-chip Assembly substrate    -   208 Second carrier board (Flex PCB)    -   210 First carrier board (Flex PCB)    -   211 first plane 212 Third carrier board    -   213 Electrical interconnection    -   216 Battery contacts    -   218 Center axis of battery    -   220 First end of hearing device housing    -   222 Second end of hearing device housing    -   224 Shielding layer    -   310 Carrier board    -   312 First side of carrier board    -   314 Second side of carrier board    -   411 First section of carrier board 310    -   411′ First plane    -   413 Second section of carrier board 310    -   413′ Second plane    -   415 Third section of carrier board 310    -   415′ Third plane    -   417 Fourth section of carrier board 310

The invention claimed is:
 1. A hearing device comprising: a carrierboard; a multi-chip assembly including a magnetic induction control chipand a signal processor; a magnetic induction coil at the carrier board;a hearing device housing having a first end and a second end, the secondend being opposite from the first end; and a battery, wherein thebattery is provided closer to the second end of the hearing devicehousing than to the first end of the hearing device housing; wherein themulti-chip assembly and the magnetic induction coil are accommodated inthe hearing device housing, and are between the battery and the firstend of the hearing device housing.
 2. The hearing device according toclaim 1, wherein a distance from a centre axis of the battery to thesecond end is shorter than a distance from the centre axis of thebattery to the first end.
 3. The hearing device according to claim 1,further comprising one or more microphones between the battery and thefirst end of the hearing device housing, and wherein the one or moremicrophones and the multi-chip assembly are between the battery and themagnetic induction coil.
 4. The hearing device according to claim 1,wherein the carrier board comprises an electromagnetic shielding layer.5. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part ofthe carrier board at which the magnetic induction coil is located isconfigured to provide an electromagnetic shield between the magneticinduction coil and the multi-chip assembly.
 6. The hearing deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising one or more microphones,wherein the carrier board comprises conductive traces configured totransmit power from the battery to the one or more microphones.
 7. Thehearing device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic induction coilhas a longitudinal direction parallel to an ear-to-ear axis of a user ofthe hearing device, when the hearing device is at an intendedoperational position with respect to an ear of the user.
 8. The hearingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a rechargeablebattery, and wherein the multi-chip assembly of the hearing devicefurther comprises a re-chargeable battery controller.
 9. The hearingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising one or more microphonesconfigured to receive an audio signal, the one or more microphoneslocated at the carrier board.
 10. The hearing device according to claim1, wherein the carrier board has a first side and a second side oppositethe first side, wherein the multi-chip assembly is on the first side ofthe carrier board, and wherein the magnetic induction coil is on thesecond side of the carrier board.
 11. The hearing device according toclaim 10, wherein the carrier board has a first section extending in afirst plane, and a second section extending in a second plane; whereinthe first plane forms a first angle with the second plane; and whereinthe multi-chip assembly is at the first section of the carrier board,and the magnetic induction coil is at the second section of the carrierboard.
 12. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the carrierboard has a first section extending in a first plane, and a secondsection extending in a second plane; wherein the first plane forms afirst angle with the second plane; and wherein the multi-chip assemblyis at the first section of the carrier board, and the magnetic inductioncoil is at the second section of the carrier board.
 13. The hearingdevice according to claim 12, further comprising one or moremicrophones, wherein the magnetic induction coil is on a first side ofthe carrier board, and the one or more microphones are on a second sideof the carrier board opposite from the first side.
 14. The hearingdevice according to claim 1, further comprising one or more microphones;wherein the carrier board has a first section extending in a firstplane, a second section extending in a second plane, and a third sectionextending in a third plane, the second section being between the firstand third sections; wherein an angle between the second plane and thefirst plane is larger than an angle between the first plane and thethird plane; wherein the multi-chip assembly is at the first section ofthe carrier board; and wherein the one or more microphones and/or themagnetic induction coil are at the third section of the carrier board.15. The hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the first side ofthe carrier board in the first section faces the first side of thecarrier board in the third section.
 16. The hearing device according toclaim 14, wherein the first plane and the third plane are parallel. 17.The hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the one or moremicrophones are at the third section of the carrier board, and themagnetic induction coil is at the second section of the carrier board.18. The hearing device according to claim 1, further comprising one ormore microphones; wherein the carrier board has a first sectionextending in a first plane, a second section extending in a secondplane, and a third section extending in a third plane, the secondsection being between the first and third sections; wherein themulti-chip assembly is at the first section of the carrier board, andthe one or more microphones are at the third section of the carrierboard; wherein the carrier board further has a fourth section extendingfrom the third section, the fourth section being bent in a directiontowards the first plane, and wherein the magnetic induction coil is atthe fourth section of the carrier board.
 19. The hearing deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising one or more microphones;wherein the carrier board has a first section extending in a firstplane, a second section extending in a second plane, and a third sectionextending in a third plane, the second section being between the firstand third sections; wherein the multi-chip assembly is at the firstsection of the carrier board, and the one or more microphones are at thethird section of the carrier board; wherein the carrier board furtherhas a fourth section extending from the third section, the fourthsection extending in a fourth plane, the third plane and the fourthplane forming an oblique angle, and wherein the magnetic induction coilis at the fourth section of the carrier board.
 20. The hearing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the carrier board is configured to form anelectromagnetic shield between the magnetic induction coil and themulti-chip assembly.
 21. The hearing device according to claim 1,further comprising a wireless communication unit interconnected with aRF antenna, wherein the RF antenna and the wireless communication unitare located closer to the first end of the hearing device housing thanto the second end.